India’s Hansika Lamba delivered a remarkable performance at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2025, clinching the silver medal in the women’s 53 kg freestyle category.
Despite falling 0-4 in the final to Japan’s Haruna Morikawa, the 22-year-old Indian wrestler can take immense pride in her dominant run through the earlier rounds that secured India’s first silver medal at this edition of the championships. Hansika’s journey in Tirana was defined by technical superiority, control, and consistency. Right from the opening round, she set the tone for her campaign with a statement performance.
In the Round of 32, she demolished Viktoriya Volk (UWW) with an emphatic 11-0 victory via technical superiority, hardly giving her opponent a chance to mount any offense. The bout showcased her trademark agility and mat awareness two attributes that have become hallmarks of her style. Carrying that momentum into the Round of 16, Hansika faced Zeinep Bayanova of Kazakhstan, a tough and physical opponent. But the Indian grappler remained unshaken, mixing quick leg attacks with clean counters to register an 8-2 win.
The quarterfinal was yet another display of dominance. Hansika overwhelmed Dilshoda Matnazarova of Uzbekistan with a flawless 10-0 performance, again winning by technical superiority. Her aggressive approach and relentless pressure left her opponent struggling to find space or timing to counter.
In the semifinal, Hansika continued her incredible run, dispatching Carla Jaume Soler of Spain with an 11-0 win, storming into the gold medal bout without conceding a single point in four bouts an extraordinary feat at the world level.
Facing Japan’s Haruna Morikawa in the gold medal match was always going to be a test of tactical discipline and endurance. Morikawa, known for her quick transitions and low single-leg attacks, controlled the tempo from the early exchanges. Hansika tried to stay compact and defend deep, but her conservative approach allowed Morikawa to dictate terms. The Japanese wrestler’s sharpness in counters and mat control helped her edge ahead with a 4-0 win on points.
While Hansika wasn’t able to replicate her earlier attacking rhythm in the final, her silver medal marks a significant step forward for Indian wrestling on the global stage particularly in women’s freestyle, where Japan continues to set the benchmark.
India’s First Silver at the 2025 Edition
Hansika’s silver is India’s first of this edition of the U23 World Championships, adding to the country’s growing tally of medals which now stands at 1 silver and 6 bronze. Her performance adds to India’s rising reputation as a consistent medal contender at age-group world events. Notably, Hansika’s run to the final saw her outscore her opponents 40-2 before the title bout a remarkable statistic that underscores her dominance through the rounds.
This silver medal is also a major personal milestone for the Haryana-born wrestler, who has steadily risen through India’s domestic and international ranks over the past three years. Known for her technical variety and relentless training ethic, Hansika had earlier shown glimpses of her potential at the 2024 Senior Nationals, where she narrowly missed a podium finish. Her performance in Tirana validates her progress under the guidance of India’s women’s wrestling coaching unit, which has focused on enhancing tactical adaptability and mat endurance among its young athletes.
Her composure and maturity reflect a growing sense of professionalism within India’s next generation of wrestlers athletes who are learning to combine raw strength with technical intelligence at the highest levels.
Hansika’s success is yet another reminder of India’s depth in women’s wrestling, which continues to thrive despite fierce global competition. Following the legacy of stars like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Anshu Malik, the new wave led by Hansika, Reetika Hooda, and Antim Panghal has ensured India remains a strong presence on the mat. The U23 World Championships have traditionally served as a proving ground for emerging talent, and Hansika’s silver only strengthens India’s confidence heading into the next Olympic cycle.
For Hansika Lamba, this silver medal is both an achievement and a motivation. The 0-4 defeat to Morikawa will serve as a valuable lesson in pacing and risk-taking at crucial moments. Yet, her ability to dominate top-tier opponents throughout the tournament establishes her as a name to watch in the coming years.
India’s performance in Tirana led by Hansika’s silver and multiple bronze medals across categories reflects a system that continues to produce world-class athletes from the grassroots. As the tricolour rose in Tirana for Hansika’s podium moment, it wasn’t just a symbol of individual achievement but a celebration of India’s ongoing wrestling renaissance.
A proud silver for Hansika and another shining chapter in Indian wrestling’s international journey.
